August 29, 2012

Paul Weston & His Orchestra - Reflections Of An Indian Boy [1955]

Issued in 1955 on the Columbia label, Reflections Of An Indian Boy is an homage to composer Carl Fischer's ethnicity, which, when spun, comes to life as an intriguing entry in the catalog of '50s popular music.

First off, I want to say a few words about Paul Weston. A well-known conductor, Weston was probably one of the most prolific names in Light Music from the '40s and '50s. During the last few years of the 1950s and into the '60s, he also contributed some very unique albums to the "Exotica" repertory. In the early days of his career, Paul Weston was associated, to an extent, with Johnny Mercer (the man behind Capitol Records), and Jo Stafford (a '40s and '50s vocalist). As turns out, Weston was the Musical Director and Repertoire consultant for Capitol during its earliest years, as well as a recording artist for the label. In 1950, both Weston and Stafford switched over to Columbia Records and both continued to release album after album throughout the decade. Then, in the late '50s and early '60s, Weston's albums began to feature more provocative cover art and weirder arrangement/recording styles. It's my impression that he was actually the creator of the mood music style, the likes of which dominated popular music produced during the '50s and gradually evolved into the much more sensational sounds we know of as Exotica, Space Age Pop, and most Incredibly Strange Music.

This album was produced in the modest tradition that is Light/Orchestral/Mood music, devoid of anything too shocking or prurient. Indeed, the controversial notion of 1950s-era "purity" is well-preserved on this recording, not only conceptually, but also musically. The sounds that make up this LP are very clean, much like an aural mirroring of the pure, unadulterated scenery depicted on its cover. And, when you consider it, this is also a fairly unique album. There weren't too many other Native American-themed records being released back then, if any. It's nice to hear something other than the clichéd orchestral themes that were often all too common.

Really, when all is heard and done, this is very good LP, perhaps even one of the best to come out of its style. It gives you a kind of warm feeling that only quality music can. But hey, don't take my word for it! Why don't you hear for yourself below!

Comments

Weston is kind of a 1950's permanent musical fixture. For that decade, where the music appeals a lot to my tastes, I see him everywhere. Yes, the J & D Edwards recordings, the easy listening Lps, Jo Stafford orchestral accompagnment as well as many other singers of the day. I'm sure he contributed to the great success of Doris Day's recordings, «Day By Day» & »Day By Night», 2 of my favorites.
Anyway, large intro to thank you for this unexpected record !
Ravel, Montreal, Quebec, Canada